Chapter 283 Living in Harmony and Retreat, Naturally Romantic, Acquiring Another Treasure, Unparalleled in the Candle Sect
The methods of cultivating internal organs in martial arts are rare, and Li Xian's chance acquisition of the "Five Internal Organs Avoiding Turbidity and Meeting Yang Scripture" is a rare opportunity. His five internal organs shimmered with a faint light, and his breath was long and gentle.
When the five internal organs are functioning perfectly, the benefits are immeasurable. It significantly enhances cold resistance, antitoxin ability, diving ability, strength, and recovery. It also nourishes the essence and blood, resulting in abundant blood and energy.
[You moved dirty items, skill level +1]
Nangong Liuli, who already had trouble sleeping, suddenly sensed something amiss. She saw Li Xian's breathing rhythmically, his long hair swaying slightly, and a red light flashing between his brows…
Nangong Liuli said, "Is it internal cultivation? This kind of martial art is extremely rare. This boy comes from an ordinary background, so to obtain such a martial art must be due to some extraordinary encounter. Now that we are in the same boat, the more powerful he is, the more secure I am." She did not disturb him. However, seeing that Li Xian had many mysterious aspects, which were very worthy of investigation and observation, she quietly observed from the side.
turn out to be…
The five internal organs circulate impurities, cultivating the body internally. Li Xian possesses a "perfect appearance," making his martial arts even more extraordinary. This even allows extraordinary phenomena to manifest throughout his body when practicing the "Five Internal Organs Avoiding Impurities and Gathering Yang Meridians."
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On the other hand...
Hao Qingshe returned in a huff, secretly furious. However, considering Shi Yufei's serious threat, she was indeed wary and refrained from further poisoning.
The northern part of the island is teeming with venomous snakes and insects. Hao Qingshe dislikes the Flower Cage Gate, yet she prefers to reside in the Water Altar because of its unique terrain and abundance of strange venomous beasts, which greatly benefit her.
Zeng Xiaoke said, "Master...do you really want me to fight that guy after I recover from my injuries?"
Hao Qingshe glanced over with cold eyes. Her skin was fair, her eyes curved with a seductive allure, concealing a bewitching and sinister charm, combined with the icy coldness of a venomous snake. She carefully examined this disciple. She had many disciples, each taught a unique martial art, and instructed them to master poison techniques. Because poison techniques could kill both the enemy and the user, Hao Qingshe needed to observe her disciples' performance in poison techniques before deciding whether to learn them herself. Her eyes were sharp; she knew that the little thief possessed some strange method to neutralize potent poisons, and Zeng Xiaoke was bound to lose. If she lost another match, she would lose face and be ridiculed by Yan Hao and the others.
She was both concerned with and indifferent to her reputation. Suddenly remembering something, she chuckled and asked, "Can you win?"
Zeng Xiaoke said, "This disciple will study diligently and will certainly live up to Master's expectations." Hao Qingshe said, "Good disciple... then come here."
Zeng Xiaoke was terrified of Hao Qingshe, but seeing Hao Qingshe stand up for her today, she was extremely grateful, her fear lessened, and respect arose spontaneously. She immediately took a few steps forward, knelt on one knee, and asked, "What are your orders, Master?"
Hao Qingshe said, "Leave the martial arts competition to your senior sister. I have something more important that I need your help with." Zeng Xiaoke said, "Please speak, Master. I will do my best to help."
Hao Qingshe laughed and said, "It's not a big deal, I just need to borrow your skin for a while."
Zeng Xiaoke said strangely, "A skin...this thing...cough cough!" Just then, two wisps of black smoke entered Zeng Xiaoke's nostrils. The toxic gas was extremely foul, causing her to cough violently. Immediately afterwards, her face turned red, and she felt a burning sensation in her throat.
She convulsed in pain, knowing Hao Qingshe was up to no good. He grabbed her skirt, pleading for her life. Hao Qingshe smiled at her, then with a flick of his wrist, skillfully channeling his inner energy, he sent her tumbling away.
Zeng Xiaoke's body convulsed, her eyes rolled back, she was beyond saving... Suddenly, with a "plop," blood gushed from her eyes, splashing several meters high. Brownish liquid, with a foul stench, gushed from her ears, nostrils, and other orifices on her face.
Her body gradually withered, and her bones and internal organs were corroded by the poisonous gas, turning into a thick brown liquid that flowed out of all her orifices.
All that remains is an empty shell. Hao Qingshe is ruthless and acts erratically. There is no real "master-disciple" relationship between them; her principle is to do whatever she wants, say what she means and do what she says.
She hung the leather bag up, with a vinegar jar placed underneath. Charcoal was placed beneath the jar, and the rising vinegar fumes permeated the bag, keeping it moist, supple, and wearable.
Hao Qingshe laughed and said, "If I ask your senior sister to participate on your behalf, we can easily win."
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The next day.
The sky was a clear, cloudless blue. A perfect day and weather. After paying the rent, Li Xian had no money left. He took Nangong Liuli and headed to Qingniu Street in the west of the town.
Push open the door...
The courtyard was overgrown with weeds, decaying and filthy. Nangong Liuli frowned slightly, but had no choice. Li Xian, wielding the Chenjiang Sword, cut through the weeds in the outer courtyard, killing poisonous snakes and eliminating rat burrows along the way.
Find a place for her to rest. Knowing that Nangong Liuli was in a difficult situation, Li Xian first washed a stone bench and placed it in the open space in the courtyard so that she could sit and rest quietly.
Nangong Liuli wore jade shoes, exquisitely crafted, and her every step exuded graceful beauty. Despite the tugging at her clothes, she sat dignifiedly on the stone bench, then breathed softly, slowly adjusting to the situation, and watched Li Xian work.
Her red lips pursed slightly... This torment seems endless.
After all the weeds were cut down, their roots remained in the soil. Li Xian used his "weeding" skills, reaching out and gently pulling the weeds and roots out of the soil with a skillful touch.
[Proficiency +1]
[Proficiency +1]
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Li Xian chuckled softly, recalling his days as a handyman, when it was the skill of weeding that helped him escape hardship and gain an opportunity for advancement.
The weeds were all cleared away, making the outer courtyard much cleaner and significantly larger. Li Xian had killed ten venomous snakes and seventeen black rats. Cracks in the bricks and crevices, damp corners... were almost all dens of snakes and rats. He used his "Azure Palm" to kill the snakes and rats, destroying their nests and destroying their eggs, which was extremely brutal.
Nangong Liuli sat quietly in the distance, watching with considerable interest. She swept the courtyard, making good use of martial arts techniques.
Then comes pruning the fruit trees.
The fruit trees grew wildly, their canopies so thick they blocked out the sunlight. This made the courtyard dark and cold, attracting evil spirits. Li Xian was an expert in "feng shui" and knew that "tall trees catch the wind." Trees in a residence should not overshadow the owner's house, so he pruned their branches and leaves, trimming the fruit trees to a suitable size.
The Great Luo Blade Technique displayed its full power, the blade's light weaving into a net. Several large trees were cleared away, sunlight streamed into the courtyard, and the cold, damp atmosphere instantly dissipated.
Li Xian was extremely organized, cleaning up the outer courtyard, inner courtyard, bedrooms, houses, kitchen... tidying everything up. He removed discarded decorations, swept away dust, wiped tables and chairs... and managed to organize the entire large courtyard and residence in half a day.
This courtyard covers an area of "three acres" and contains more than ten beehives. Li Xian searched for them one by one, first spitting out blood mist, which congealed into "cocoons" to cover the beehives.
Then, one by one, the debris was removed. The work was done with great care, and the once abandoned mansion was now perfectly habitable. Nangong Liuli had lived a life of luxury since childhood, but seeing Li Xian tending to the courtyard and gradually making it clean and comfortable, she couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. Considering that she was trapped here with no hope of escape, this house would be her permanent residence, and she began to feel a sense of security and peace.
She envisioned how to arrange the house's landscape to showcase both grandeur and refined elegance. Born into a wealthy and noble family, she was naturally adept at garden landscaping, far surpassing Li Xian in this regard.
Li Xian moved all the remaining porcelain pieces to the outer courtyard. He filled a large water vat with water and kicked it. The vat didn't break, but the water inside began to swirl and churn.
This is a move from the "Gentle Breeze Kick," and he kicks several times in succession. The water swirls faster and faster as he throws the porcelain into the water tank. The swirling water washes away the dirt and grime.
When they were taken out, they were as bright and new as ever. These porcelain pieces were in perfect condition and could continue to be used as decorations for the hall.
Nangong Liuli asked in surprise, "You don't know many martial arts, but their ingenious applications always amaze me."
It was noon.
With the bedding laid out in the bedroom, this place could be lived in for a long time. Li Xian picked up his brush and wrote the name "Qingniu Ju" for the residence, which refers to both the residence in Qingniu Lane and the image of a green ox bowing its head, grazing on green grass, calming its mind and accumulating strength.
The door was closed.
Having created her own little world, Nangong Liuli's expression was quite strange, and she suddenly dared not look at Li Xian. She thought that in this mansion, no matter how Li Xian wanted to deal with her, she would have no choice but to obey.
Li Xian pondered, "Although Nangong Liuli is beautiful, she doesn't make me lustful. I helped her just out of the ordinary, and I'm too lazy to ask for anything in return. I'll explain this to her clearly so she won't overthink it."
After being told directly, Nangong Liuli's eyes welled up with tears. Li Xianqi asked, "Strange...why are you crying?"
Nangong Liuli sighed, "Young Master Hua... I admire your integrity. But you... you're too naive."
Li Xian asked in surprise, "How could I be naive?" Nangong Liuli sighed and said, "You respect me and wouldn't act recklessly. But I suppose... you don't really have any feelings for me. There's another, more beautiful and powerful woman in your heart."
Li Xian said, "No, not at all." Then he suddenly thought, "Wen Caishang's treatment of me is all calculated for her own benefit; why should I give her my true heart?" He was naturally a womanizer, but also deeply sentimental. His nature was contradictory, yet quite dashing. Wen Caishang was deeply in love with him; if she treated him sincerely, he would reciprocate with sincerity.
When that time comes... what woman in the world would he even glance at?
Nangong Liuli said, "Even if you want to treat me with respect, the Flower Cage Sect won't allow it. How can you truly remain pure in such an environment?"
She said sadly, “I have been trapped for many days and I am now more aware of my situation. If nothing unexpected happens, it will be very difficult for me to escape. I have spoken with my maids and learned that everyone in the household takes pride in their beautiful wives. The more subservient one’s wife is, the higher one’s status within the household.”
"Families must not leave the island... This island contains a Yin-Yang and Five Elements layout, with many barriers, making it difficult for outsiders to find. The Flower Cage Sect and the Candle Sect are secretly connected, and their backgrounds are extraordinary."
"They made me unable to resist with just one set of clothes. You...you respect me, but if they find out that we didn't do that, they will inevitably become suspicious, and then even you will not be able to protect yourself."
The Flower Cage Sect members committed crimes on the move, and were constantly surrounded and captured. The movement of people was extremely high; ordinary "registered disciples" and even "disciples holding orders" either died elsewhere or defected from the sect... sometimes it was difficult to know.
Ordinary disciples may be lax and unrestrained, but the higher one goes, the more discipline is required. Otherwise, elders and the like can leave at will and never return, how can the Flower Cage Sect last long? "Beautiful concubines" are shackles. If you have beautiful concubines but do not enjoy them, it means that these concubines are of little use to you.
Why not send someone else instead?
Nangong Liuli came from a wealthy family and always considered the implications of things from multiple perspectives. Although she defied the odds after arriving on the island, she knew all too well that her fate was beyond her control. Li Xian was also intelligent, but being free to act independently, she never thought things through deeply.
Li Xian said frankly, "I understand. In this situation, we can be considered to appreciate each other, but we are ultimately just strangers who met by chance. If it really comes to that, we will only be cooperating."
Nangong Liuli said resentfully, "There's nothing I can do about it." She had originally had a good impression of Li Xian, and couldn't help but feel indignant: "You little rascal, are you afraid I'll fall in love with you? Humph, you're so presumptuous. The young talents I've seen are much more capable than you."
Li Xian said, "Go back to your room and rest first." Nangong Liuli helped her back to the house. The vermilion gate of the courtyard was tightly closed, and the outer courtyard was spacious and quiet.
As Li Xian practiced martial arts, he thought to himself, "What Nangong Liuli said is indeed true. I am not a saint either; I have emotions and desires. Given the situation, why should I pretend to be a gentleman?"
He resumed practicing basic martial arts such as the Four Directions Fist and the Gentle Breeze Leg. His thoughts drifted back to the situation at Yihe Manor. Today, he had spent money to buy a house, finally finding peace and stability, and he began to carefully consider the recent events.
The one who thought about it the most was Wen Caishang… He was extremely sentimental, and sometimes he would ask himself if Wen Caishang had feelings for him, but the answer was always vague. Thinking of Pang Long, Qiu Yue, and the others, he secretly took this as a warning.
She thought that although Wen Caishang treated her slightly differently, they were ultimately similar. Past events surfaced in her mind.
Li Xian smiled suddenly, having already figured everything out. He had originally wished to exchange his sincerity for the bright moon, but alas, he was but a mayfly, and his sincerity was so cheap. Now that he had broken free from his cage, he was ready to indulge his desires, to be unrestrained and free, and to roam the world.
Whether others hate him, love him, or are angry with him is related to him, yet also unrelated.
Such hesitation... is so discouraging. Thinking about it this way, he's not like those flower thieves.
Now that Li Xian had attained enlightenment, he returned to his true nature. However, considering that Nangong Liuli's unique attire made walking and sitting difficult, he decided to leave the matter aside for the time being. Wen Caishang's concerns were indeed valid; if Li Xian weren't so flirtatious, how could he dare to provoke such a fiery flower as her? Since he dared to provoke her, what fear would other delicate flowers, red flowers, green flowers... be of him?
Even if he doesn't actively provoke them, with all the women coming and going, how many can he possibly avoid, given his flirtatious nature?
Although Wen Caishang treated Li Xian with bias and cruelty, her judgment was indeed accurate, and the matter of training her husband was of paramount importance.
While Li Xiaofan was away studying, he thought about how the burden of the Li family rested entirely on his brother. He then indulged in numerous affairs, seemingly without restraint. Who knows how these trivial matters would eventually escalate?
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[Proficiency +1]
[Proficiency +1]
The next morning.
Li Xianqing practiced martial arts early in the morning, his fist techniques were pure and his fist power was mighty. Last night, the two had another private talk, clearly explaining their respective situations and agreeing to cooperate with each other to seek resources and development within the Flower Cage Sect.
Li Xian laid down three rules: however they enjoyed themselves in the water, he would not retaliate if they were ever freed. Nangong Liuli glared angrily at Li Xian, knowing he might turn his back on her once they were freed.
Nangong Liuli agreed to everything, thinking, "Cooperation is fine. Once I escape, I'll forget all about you, you little thief. Do you think I care?"
Having reached an agreement, Li Xian devised a plan to help Nangong Liuli remove the Rainbow Flowing Robe, but the robe contained hidden needles, requiring a unique method to remove it.
On this day, Elder Liu Yu of the Flower Cage Gate was about to leave the Water Altar by boat. A banquet was set up at his residence, inviting everyone to come and eat and drink.
Seven banquet tables were set up inside and outside the courtyard: one for elders, three for disciples, and three for laborers. Liu Yu, holding the high position of elder, used his authority to establish his own business.
He owned a bee farm and a winery. He needed to hire local people to manage them. Once he had stockpiled enough honey and fine wine, he would ship them out of the water tanks and sell them to the outside world, accumulating wealth.
The head of the laborers was invited to a banquet at the mansion. Liu Yu was portly, with a round face and fair skin, appearing quite wealthy, and dressed in very luxurious clothes.
Ye Cheng, Meng Han, Jin Shichang, and others were all invited to the banquet. The mansion was bustling with activity, as beautiful women carried silver platters and served various delicacies.
Li Xian accepted the invitation and entered the residence. He then heard the sounds of women laughing and frolicking, which were quite lewd. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw several men and women chasing and playing.
Ye Cheng and Meng Han both arrived with their beautiful wives. They were dignified and elegant. Liu Yu also had a beautiful wife on each side, who served him wine and meat, and he enjoyed all the pleasures and delicacies.
Liu Yu waved and said, "That's right, come, come, we've been waiting for you, come and sit down."
There was an empty seat among the elders. Ye Cheng said, "Wu Cuo, why did you come alone? Has that little girl not been subdued yet?"
Li Xian smiled awkwardly and said, "Elder Ye... this woman comes from a powerful family, and her temperament is both fierce and impulsive. She keeps threatening to kill herself, and I really have no choice but to sit down at the table."
The beautiful woman standing nearby stepped forward to help him wash the porcelain bowl, skimming the foam from his tea, serving him food and drink with utmost care. Amidst the rising steam, clinking glasses, and the aroma of wine and meat filled the air.
Liu Yu said, “That won’t do. No mistake… Let me tell you. For us martial artists, killing the enemy is inferior, defeating the enemy is also inferior, only surrendering the enemy is superior.”
As he spoke, the beautiful women beside him served him wine and fed him fish eyes from fish soup. After drinking the fine wine and enjoying the service, Liu Yu, looking somewhat drunk, said, "Winning the top prize at this grand event is nothing special to me. But if you can win over these beauties, that's truly impressive."
Li Xian thought to himself, "What kind of twisted logic is this?" He smiled and said, "What the elder says makes sense."
Meng Han said sourly, "It's easy to say, but hard to do." Ye Cheng laughed and said, "That's right. This is a rare opportunity, so why not take this chance to learn from your experience?"
Li Xian said, "Elder Liu, Elder Meng... I hope you can give me some pointers." Liu Yu laughed and said, "It's really not difficult. You just need to do this, and this..."
He immediately launched into a long speech of his experience, looking extremely smug. His beautiful companion, named Jiang Xiangxiang, also said, "Young Master Hua, if you find it troublesome, you can bring her here, and we'll help you educate her properly."
At that time, the Great Wu was in chaos, and etiquette was gradually collapsing. The Flower Cage Sect, however, had become more open and independent.
As Liu Yu got into the conversation, he presented Li Xian with a number of miscellaneous books, including "Flower and Flower Classics," "Sleepless Nights Gazing at the Moon," and "Paintings of Jade Reflection," instructing him to study them carefully.
Li Xian tucked the book into his sleeve, raised his cup in a toast, and recited a few farewell poems to the bright moon. Liu Yu was delighted and praised Li Xian's literary talent. Ye Cheng, in high spirits, paced back and forth, also reciting a few farewell poems. He was quite accomplished in literature, and his verses were very beautiful and rich in meaning.
His beautiful companions, whom he brought along, looked at him with adoration, massaging his shoulders and attending to him. They were extremely attentive and devoted to him. Although Li Xian disdained the brothel business, he was still slightly moved by the charming and witty manner of these people.
Liu Yu said, "Xiangxiang, I heard you learned a sword dance. Show it to them."
Jiang Xiangxiang, still exuding charm, glared at Liu Yu and said, "You stinking devil, you just love ordering people around." She walked gracefully into the house, where a maidservant took out two slender swords.
She took the rapier and began to twirl it. She thrust both swords forward, lifted the wine jug, and launched it into the air, then did a vertical split with incredible flexibility, her toes touching the bottom of the jug.
She bent slightly, and the wine flask poured out its finest liquor. Jiang Xiangxiang used her two swords as a bridge, ensuring that not a drop of wine was spilled, and poured it all into Liu Yu's wine cup.
Her figure was graceful and alluring, and her dance was captivating. Jiang Xiangxiang, who was skilled in swordsmanship, had meticulously choreographed this sword dance to please Liu Yu. Liu Yu, beaming with satisfaction, said, "Continue."
Jiang Xiangxiang smiled lightly, her red lips parting as she began to dance with her sword. Her movements were exquisite, captivating all who beheld her. Her graceful figure shifted swiftly like a gust of wind, as powerful as thunder.
The dance ended. Ye Cheng, Meng Han, and Li Xian all applauded and praised. Jiang Xiangxiang's forehead was covered in sweat. She glanced at Liu Yu first, then subtly glanced at Li Xian.
The banquet was now halfway through. Li Xian asked for advice on how to break free from the "Rainbow Skirt and Flowing Gaze Robe". Ye Cheng said, "That's right... Don't rush into this matter. This woman is full of ambition. If you untie the Rainbow Skirt and Flowing Gaze Robe, she will definitely try to escape."
"If you let her run away and she is captured by someone else, she will no longer belong to you. You should first help her adapt and nurture her slowly."
Li Xian said, "This woman hasn't mastered the proper way to walk or sit. She cries out in pain even when she's just walking. What should we do?"
Liu Yu said, "Oh... perhaps she offended the palace maids. They won't teach us the secrets of meditation, so we're helpless. After all, we've never worn those strange clothes, so we don't know how to do it."
Li Xian said, "So... this junior wants to help her remove the strange clothes. After that, we should find other ways to restrict her movements."
Liu Yu nodded and said, "That makes sense." He then taught Li Xian the entire method for untying the Rainbow Robe. It turned out that to untie the Rainbow Robe, one had to first brew "Nine-Flower Jade Dew Ointment," soak the whole body in the ointment, and then gradually untie the strange garment through the method of "massage to promote blood circulation and acupressure."
Li Xian understood and kept it firmly in mind. Liu Yu chatted with Li Xian for a long time, and feeling that they shared the same interests, he said, "Brother Hua, I'm leaving the island tomorrow. Why don't you come with me and go out to make your way in the world?"
Jin Shichang said, "Old Liu, don't break the rules. Now that Hua Wucuo has won the championship, it will be difficult for him to leave the island in the short term."
Li Xian asked, "Please speak plainly, Envoy Jin." Jin Shichang replied, "Since you have obtained a beautiful wife but have not yet received your 'stamp' (official seal), you cannot leave the island."
Li Xian asked, "Printed pattern?" Jin Shichang replied, "There's no rush. Let me take you to get your little girl under control first."
Li Xian thought to himself, "It seems that in this world, there's no reason to run away immediately after getting something for nothing." So he didn't ask any more questions.
The banquet was nearing its end. Li Xian bowed and said goodbye, then left the deep courtyard of the Liu residence. Jin Shichang followed closely behind, caught up with Li Xian, and grabbed him by the shoulder.
Li Xian was very surprised and said, "Envoy Jin...you..."
Jin Shichang countered, "Do you still remember that there are three rewards for winning the championship? Now that you have a beautiful woman by your side, do you no longer want these precious treasures?"
Li Xian said, "Of course I remember. Could it be that Envoy Jin..." Jin Shichang said, "That's right. I was ordered by Chief Envoy Shi to deliver the treasures and rare items to you under the guise of a banquet."
“But there are many people at the banquet, and it’s easy for others to see me off in front of everyone. That’s not appropriate. So I’ll wait until you take your leave before I catch up with you and give you the treasure.”
Li Xian respectfully said, "Thank you for thinking of me, Envoy Jin."
Jin Shichang scrutinized Li Xian for a moment and said, "Thinking of you... that's not necessarily true. But I heard from Chief Envoy Shi that you have some of the spirit of the Candle Sect, which makes me very curious, so I'd like to get to know you."
Li Xian asked, "The legacy of the Candle Sect? What exactly does that refer to?"
Jin Shichang said, "People call the Candle Sect a demonic sect. The legacy of the Candle Sect... is naturally demonic, and they do all sorts of evil." Li Xian laughed and said, "I'm afraid I don't have that."
Jin Shichang laughed and said, "Of course, that is the world's shallow understanding. The true nature of the Candle Sect should be 'lawless and unrestrained, respecting only our own will' and 'doing things our own way, with our will soaring to the heavens'."
“Being lawless is not the same as being evil, being self-willed is not arrogance, doing things your own way is not bullying, and having lofty ambitions is not conceit.”
"Even when the Candle Sect was still around, its followers had misunderstandings. They lost that spirit. Chief Envoy Shi, I've noticed you have quite a bit of that nascent spirit."
Li Xian was completely unconcerned. His strength was still weak, far from being lawless, self-willed, unrestrained, or having his will soar to the heavens. However, his desire for freedom and adherence to his true self was somehow in line with this.
Jin Shichang laughed and said, "Originally there was only one treasure, but you were lucky and got an extra one at the last minute. You can choose one of the two."
(End of this chapter)
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